I would advise both parents to apply. Yes it makes things easier. This is one thing we would do differently if we had to do it all over again. A seasoned parent had told us it’s not important to have (as we aren’t from town so wouldn’t be ‘driving on the yard’) so we avoided that waiting to process one during Iday and parents weekend.
Turns out, without it, we have been turned away at Gate 1 after sunset (which is early during winter). As pedestrians. Twice. We flew across the country to see our Plebe and would have to say goodby before 6pm. Meanwhile, consistently throughout the year, drivers with DBIS had simply driven on the yard through Gate 8, nary an issue. Hung out with their plebes until later. Not sure what the discrepancy is all about, but it was sad for us. And our Mid.
Currently we are each trying to obtain one, which means we have to arrive during their open hours on a visit....hasn’t happened yet.
The other thing, is there is a very real chance over the four years that mom or dad will make separate trips. I have made good friends, and have done “mom trips” without the hubby.